PROFILE
Sue Mac Dougall
- Acrylic painting
- Drawing
- Mixed Media
- Oils
- Painting
- Pastels
- Resin
- Visual Arts
- Wax
I’m a contemporary abstract artist and retreat facilitator with a passion for colour, movement, and expressive mark-making. I create vibrant, emotionally charged paintings that reflect both the beauty and chaos of nature — particularly the flora and light of my garden, as well as the magical atmosphere of Greece.
I work mainly in acrylics and mixed media, often building up layers intuitively. My creative process is spontaneous and playful — I allow the painting to guide me, and I love it when viewers discover something I didn’t intentionally place. My studio practice is grounded in curiosity, joy, and soulfulness.
Born in New Zealand, I’m deeply influenced by the natural world around me, as well as the rhythm and richness of Mediterranean landscapes, where I host my Love My Greece Art and Meditation Retreats every September on Aegina Island, as I have lived there for over 20 years. These immersive experiences are designed to nurture creativity and personal growth for small, like-minded groups.
I’m primarily self-taught but have studied with some inspiring mentors over the years. My work has been exhibited in group and solo shows across New Zealand. One of my most proud moments was winning the Supreme Art Award at the Tauranga Art Society Expo for my painting, ‘Delighted To Meet You’. I was also honoured to make the Extended Longlist in Jackson’s Art Prize 2025, placing in the top 25% out of nearly 13,000 international entries.
I open my studio and garden to the public through the Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival and BOP Open Studios — a special opportunity for visitors to experience the atmosphere that inspires my work and purchase original paintings directly.
My work is available for sale via my website, exhibitions, and select galleries. I’m open to commissions, collaborations, and opportunities to share my passion for creative expression. Let’s connect — whether you’re looking for art that speaks to your soul, or seeking an experience that reignites your creative spark.
